Solar-powered plane to take cross-country flight

June 24, 2014 7:28 AM

People look at the second Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

People look at the second Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP/Getty Images

People look at the second Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be... Photo-6143025.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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In 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft wingspan -- larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I -- and weighs as much as a car (5,000 pounds). less

In 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft wingspan -- larger ... more

Photo: Jean Revillard, Associated Press

In 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 is due to make the first... Photo-6143026.61614 - Houston Chronicle

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage, during its unveiling in Switzerland on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP/Getty Images

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used... Photo-6143027.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Payerne, on April 9, 2014.

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used for a round-the-world voyage next year, during its unveiling in Payerne, on April 9, 2014.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP/Getty Images

People look at the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane to be used... Photo-6143029.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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Solar Impulse Godfather Prince Albert of Monaco speaks in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2" during the official presentation at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. less

Solar Impulse Godfather Prince Albert of Monaco speaks in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2" during the official presentation at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland on Wednesday, April 9, ... more

Solar Impulse's CEO and pilot Andre Borschberg (right) and Solar Impulse's founder, chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard (left) speak in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2", during the official unveiling at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland, Wednesday, April 9, 2014. less

Solar Impulse's CEO and pilot Andre Borschberg (right) and Solar Impulse's founder, chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard (left) speak in front of the new experimental aircraft "Solar Impulse 2", during the ... more

Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg, who flew the Solar Impulse experimental solar-powered plane on a transcontinental trip, pose in front of their second solar-powered plane, which they aim to take on a round-the-world voyage next year. less

Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg, who flew the Solar Impulse experimental solar-powered plane on a transcontinental trip, pose in front of their second solar-powered plane, which they ... more

Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg are the founders, pilots and life force behind Solar Impulse 2. In 2015 the plane is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night without any fuel. This revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre has a 236 ft (72 meter) wingspan (larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I) and weighs the same as a car (5,000 lbs. or 2,300 Kg). The 17,000 solar cell, built into the wing, supply four electric motors (17.5 CV each). During the day, the solar cells recharge lithium batteries weighing 2077 lbs. (633 Kg), which allow the aircraft to fly at night. Each pilot will fly for 4-5 days. They will need 2.4 kg of food, 2.5 l of water and 1l of sports drink per day: additional weight that needs to be carefully calculated by the Solar Impulse team. In case of an emergency, the pilot seat has an integrated parachute and life raft. (Jean Revillard for Solar Impulse 2 via AP Images) less

Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg are the founders, pilots and life force behind Solar Impulse 2. In 2015 the plane is due to make the first round-the-world solar flight, day and night ... more

The Solar Impulse flies near the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2011. Photo-4569272.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech during the unveiling by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg of the second Solar Impulse solar-powered plane, the HB-SIB, which they aim to take on a round-the-world voyage next year. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINIFABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images less

Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech during the unveiling by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg of the second Solar Impulse solar-powered plane, the HB-SIB, which they aim to take on a ... more

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field in March 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field in March 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

Solar panels sit on the wing of the Solar Impulse plane at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa.

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar-powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

The Solar Impulse solar powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

The Solar Impulse solar powered plane is displayed in a hangar at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in ... more

Solar Impulse Chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard speaks during a press conference at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and intercontinental flights in Europe and Africa. less

Solar Impulse Chairman and pilot Bertrand Piccard speaks during a press conference at Moffett Field on March 28, 2013 in Mountain View, California. The Solar Impulse has already made international and ... more

Solar Impulse founder and pilot Bertrand Piccard addresses a press conference at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The Solar Impulse project aims to fly an aircraft around the world using only solar energy. less

Solar Impulse founder and pilot Bertrand Piccard addresses a press conference at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The Solar Impulse project aims to fly an ... more

The Solar Impulse plane takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse plane takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

The Solar Impulse plane takes off on a multi-city trip across the... Photo-4569253.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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ABB is announcing that it is a new sponsor of Solar Impulse, a solar plane pioneer, and that Solar Impulse will be rolling out a new solar plane on Wednesday. With this plane, these record-setting investors are setting out to circumnavigate the globe, flying night and day, with all power generated by sunlight. (PRNewsFoto/ABB) less

ABB is announcing that it is a new sponsor of Solar Impulse, a solar plane pioneer, and that Solar Impulse will be rolling out a new solar plane on Wednesday. With this plane, these record-setting investors ... more

Photo: Associated Press

ABB is announcing that it is a new sponsor of Solar Impulse, a... Photo-6143043.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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The Solar Impulse plane sits on the tarmac early in the morning before takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse plane sits on the tarmac early in the morning before takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar

The Solar Impulse plane sits on the tarmac early in the morning... Photo-4569254.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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The Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard, left, enters the cockpit before taking off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

The Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard, left, enters the cockpit before taking off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, ... more

Pilots Bertrand Piccard, right, and André Borschberg, left shake hands before the Solar Impulse plane takes off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

Pilots Bertrand Piccard, right, and André Borschberg, left shake hands before the Solar Impulse plane takes off to embark on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research ... more

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, speaks to reporters before taking off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. Photo: less

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, speaks to reporters before taking off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., ... more

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar Impulse, considered the world's most advanced solar-powered plane, will stop for seven to 10 days at major airports in each city, so the pilots can display and discuss the aircraft with reporters, students, engineers and aviation fans. It plans to reach New York's Kennedy Airport in early July — without using a drop of fuel, its creators said. less

Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the Solar Impulse plane, takes off on a multi-city trip across the United States from Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, May 3, 2013. Solar ... more

A wing of the Solar Impulse is loaded onto a Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was heading to California to prepare for a cross-country flight this spring.

A wing of the Solar Impulse is loaded onto a Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was heading to California to prepare for a cross-country flight this spring.

Photo: Niels Ackermann, Solar Impulse

A wing of the Solar Impulse is loaded onto a Boeing 747 in Payerne,... Photo-4569279.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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Engineers position a wing of the Solar Impulse inside the belly of Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was flown to California, where it is now preparing to make a cross-country flight. less

Engineers position a wing of the Solar Impulse inside the belly of Boeing 747 in Payerne, Switzerland in February 2013. The plane was flown to California, where it is now preparing to make a cross-country ... more

Photo: Niels Ackermann, Solar Impulse

Engineers position a wing of the Solar Impulse inside the belly of... Photo-4569280.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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Engineers work on the wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

Engineers work on the wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2009.

Photo: Stéphane Gros, Solar Impulse

Engineers work on the wing of the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in... Photo-4569281.61614 - Houston Chronicle

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An engineer works on the solar cells for the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2008.

An engineer works on the solar cells for the Solar Impulse in Switzerland in 2008.

Photo: Stéphane Gros, Solar Impulse

An engineer works on the solar cells for the Solar Impulse in... Photo-4569282.61614 - Houston Chronicle